2024 Paris Olympics: Top 10 power rankings at Le Golf National
4) Rory McIlroy
McIlroy needs no introduction.
It has been another dominant year for the 35-year-old; just not in the four big ones. In other words, the four he cares about. From his demoralizing defeat at Pinehurst to his embarrassment at Royal Troon, McIlroy would want nothing more than to reach the podium for his home country on Sunday.
And he seems to be in good spirits as well. Earlier this week he was seen playing a round at St. Andrews and joking with the American fans who were watching from afar.
During his press conference, McIlroy was asked about the thick rough at Le Golf National. "Ask the Americans. I wasn't in it much that week," he responded.
For whatever reason international competitions seem to bring the best out of his golf game -- he has come up clutch for Team Europe countless times.
On Tour this season he is second in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green, trailing only Scottie Scheffler. It seems fair to write off his performance at Royal Troon as an anomaly because he appeared to be mentally checked out. Yet this may not be the most ideal course fit for the Irishman. He thrives on courses where he can abuse his out-of-this-world length, but Le Golf National favors precision.
Nonetheless, he is still Rory McIlroy. Any tournament he plays in, he should be expected to contend.
3) Collin Morikawa
Morikawa has been knocking on the door all season. This could be the week that he busts it wide open.
There was a spell in March/Early April where he seemed to have lost his swing. Since that point of inflection, the American has been on an absolute tear, piling up top 10 after top 10. To date, he has seven top 10s to go along with 14 top 25s. The silky-smooth swing that we are accustomed to seeing has been producing results, and it is why he is representing America in The Olympics.
"I added two events this year just to see if I can give myself a chance to make the Olympics," Morikawa said on the Smylie Kaufman podcast. "It's been a nice stretch, and I wanted to make a push for it, and I am super happy to be a part of that team."
For someone who has been firing on nearly all cylinders for what feels like a decade now, it is surprising that he has not won an event this year.
Morikawa is yet another player whose game is catered to this style of course as he is not the longest of hitters but ranks fourth on tour in driving accuracy percentage.
He also played in the 2020 Olympics but lost in a seven-man playoff. His putter is the one component in his arsenal that could elude him on the weekend, but his Olympic and Ryder Cup experience should help down the stretch.